A FORMER Halesowen MP has been made a dame in the 2022 New Year Honours list.

Sylvia Heal was the Labour Member of Parliament for Halesowen and Rowley Regis from 1997 to 2010.

She is amongst 13 women made Dame Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire (DBE) including celebrities Joanna Lumley and Vanessa Redgrave.

The honours list states: "Sylvia Heal has been a life-long Labour Party member and political activist.

"She was a member of the Young Socialists National Committee for four years from 1960 and was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1970.

"She worked as a medical records clerk at the Chester Royal Infirmary for six years from 1957.

"In 1968 she was appointed as a social worker for two years.

"She returned to work in 1980 with the Department of Employment as a social worker within an employment rehabilitation centre.

"During her parliamentary interregnum she worked as a young carers officer with Carers UK from 1992 to 1997."

The Halesowen Labour Team reacted to the good news on social media saying: "Great way to start 2022, Sylvia Heal has been made a Dame!

"About time too.

"Sylvia was a great constituency MP, not just there for the photo opportunity.

"First to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in.

"We are delighted for her."

Other celebrities who made the star-studded New Year Honours list this year included 007's Daniel Craig, Kate Garraway, Spice Girl Mel B and TV presenter Katie Piper.